Student theatre group is a huge success at Marjon
Released: 11.03.21
Two students at Plymouth Marjon University have started their own theatre group. It is run by third year BA (Hons) Performing Arts Education students, Chloe Soby and Cecily Reid.
Named Encore Arts, they provide theatrical training for young performers, with an emphasis on challenging themselves to be the best they can be.
Since starting the project in late 2020, the group has grown in popularity, with 30 children signed up and engaging with weekly sessions.
The students used their professional connections, adopted on their degree, to get the word out about themselves. They also launched Encore Arts on Facebook, which naturally brought theatre lovers to them.
Cecily said: “It’s been an amazing experience. We’ve been able to provide these children with such a fun opportunity, that helps us to share our love of performing arts. We couldn't be more grateful to Marjon for all the support we have received.”
Encore Arts is doubled as their final year dissertation project, in which the students are presenting the growth of the group since its inception.
During the most recent lockdown, Chloe and Cecily launched Lockdown Live, as a response to losing their in person sessions. They provide weekly virtual classes to their pupils, which has allowed them to continue contributing to their dissertation project and the growth of Encore Arts itself.
Chloe added: “We never imagined that our performing arts school would be this much of a success. With realms of support from the Marjon Futures team, we’ve been able to build a theatre company that we can be proud of.”
Chloe and Cecily plan to develop the group into an ongoing business after completing their studies. They are currently working with careers advisors from Marjon Futures on setting up and funding their venture.
On Friday, March 12 at 7:30pm, Chloe and Cecily will be conducting their final dissertation performance. Encore Arts will be live streaming a virtual event, titled ‘Unleash Your Potential’, a short theatre festival celebrating the group.
The festival is free to watch and you can access your tickets here.
For more information on performing arts degrees at Marjon:
Share on
